Service Learning in Grades K-8

Kate Thomsen is the Supervisor of Special Programs for Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), Syracuse, New York. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at Syracuse Univer-sity's Graduate School of Education and Counseling. As part of her responsibilities, she supervises the programs of 40 coun- selors in a school-based drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. She frequently offers workshops on resiliency and related topics. Kate is cofounder and cochair of a local coali-tion, Prevention Partners for Youth Development, which works to integrate youth development principles, especially resiliency and asset development, into all youth services in Onondaga County. A secondary English teacher with a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Syracuse University and a CAS in Educational Administration from State University of New York at Oswego, she has spent her career working in both school and community agency settings. She draws on this experience to offer many ideas and examples for building resiliency in youth.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. The Power of Service Learning 2. Research Into Practice 3. Turning Service Into Service Learning 4. Laying the Groundwork for Service Learning 5. Teambuilding and Reflection 6. Service-Learning Projects That Put Learning First 7. Service-Learning Projects That Put Service First 8. Sustaining Service Learning Efforts 9. Service Learning: What, So What, and Now What? Appendix: Online Resources References Index

"Teachers and site administrators will find their 'how' and 'why' questions answered in this inspirational and motivational book. The research behind the efficacy of service learning is a highlight of the book. In addition, this book contains plenty of complete, useful examples of service learning projects for those educators who don't want to invent their own. Kate Thomsen's book is a great addition to the conversation on community learning!" -- Neal A. Glasgow "Interesting, captivating, thought provoking. Thomsen's explanations and examples of service learning show us that students can engage in higher and more complex thinking skills while they serve others, address learning standards, meet the expectations of the curriculum and-oh, by the way-find out that school can be fun!" -- Richard Castallo, Chair of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies "A compelling work that addresses a universal need often overlooked in school curricula-the need to practice compassion and generosity. Kate Thomsen provides eudcators with a practical handbook for teaching wisdom and empathy along with math, language arts, social studies, and science. This book is a testament to our faith in the promise of all of our children and in the capacity of teachers to transform lives through thoughtful instruction and example." -- Lauri Pepe Bousquet, Professor of Education "This how-to book offers everything needed to aid students in becoming good citizens who practice democracy." -- Teaching Tolerance, Spring 2007